What's happened
A Sudanese military airstrike on a market in Kabkabiya, North Darfur, killed over 100 people and injured hundreds more on December 9, 2024. The attack occurred during a weekly market day, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in a region already suffering from a prolonged conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the Emergency Lawyers group reported that the airstrike on Kabkabiya resulted in over 100 deaths, describing it as a 'horrendous massacre.' The Sudanese military, however, dismissed these claims as 'lies' propagated by political factions supporting the RSF. The Guardian corroborates this account, noting that the attack occurred during a busy market day, further emphasizing the civilian toll. Meanwhile, the Independent highlights the broader context of the conflict, detailing the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, where millions are displaced and face starvation. The New York Times adds that the ongoing violence has led to severe disruptions in essential services, compounding the crisis.
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan has escalated since May 2023, with the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) engaged in violent clashes. This ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced, pushing the country towards famine.
More on these topics
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization, headquartered in New York City, that conducts research and advocacy on human rights.